Todd Hamilton remembers his week of triumph at Royal Troon
Last Updated: 12/07/16 9:04am
Todd Hamilton, winner of The Open at Royal Troon in 2004, is not expecting to hold aloft the Claret Jug this time around, but still hopes he can play well.
Now 50, and playing on the senior tour, the American has contested every Open since winning in Ayrshire 12 years ago and has missed the cut eight times.
He returned to the scene of his greatest triumph over the weekend, and admits his memory has played a few tricks.
Hamilton said: "Sunday was the first time I'd been back, so I noticed the clubhouse was redone inside.
"I couldn't even remember how to get to the driving range, it's been such a long time ago.
"I could remember all of the holes but I think they built a few new tee boxes further back. They never build them further ahead any more!
"And I think in the 12 years since I won here, my driving distance has gotten a lot shorter, because the golf course played very, very long, especially the back nine.
"I don't remember everything that happened but I remember enough to make it a very memorable and cherished event.
"I would like to have some other good memories this year. It doesn't have to be a victory, but at least play some good golf."
I couldn't even remember how to get to the driving range, it's been such a long time ago
Todd on Troon return
One strange memory from 2004 was walking up the final fairway during a practice round and seeing his own name on the leaderboard, two days before the tournament even started.
He added: "There were eight to 10 names on it and mine was one of the two at the top that were tied at four under par I think.
"They had just done a trial run of the scoreboard and my name was up there with maybe Darren Clarke.
"And I think they had (David) Duval at three under. But they had my name at the very top, which I thought was kind of odd."
